Population effects of fluctuation in fecundity and mortality in Triatoma infestans: simulation using Leslie matrices
Canals, M.; Cattan, P.E.; Solís, R.; Valderas, J.
Revista Medica de Chile 119(11): 1239-1242
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9887 PMID: 9723073 Document Number: 370577
The population effects of known fluctuations in fecundity and mortality of T. infestans was studied through simulation using Leslie matrices. The effect of mortality and fecundity cycles was a stepped cycling through the growing phase, with no significant population decreases. Density dependent regulation stabilizes changes during the steady phase. The main effect is on population composition with the establishment of a regular annual cycle in the proportion of different age groups. Cycles with high number of larvae may be misinterpreted as an adult plague.